Two marathoners outdistance their diseases

The Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon and Half Marathon take place Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning in the heart of Rehoboth Beach.

This year’s marathon is more scenic than ever, for the first time taking runners on the new Gordons Pond trail through Cape Henlopen State Park.

Only 600 people participated in 2009, but this year’s event has attracted more than 2,600 runners, establishing the race as a premier late-season competition and a significant boost to the Cape Region economy.

For anyone who wonders what propels a person to run, the story of Tim Hill in today’s edition may inspire, if not explain. Facing a diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS, Hill’s days may be less numerous than he had hoped. ALS will slowly take away his neuromuscular control until finally, it takes his life. There is no cure.

But for now, he still can move.

Hill did his own personal marathon, a 10 mile hike from Dewey Beach to Bethany, but he remembers only the first three miles. God, he said, walked the last seven.

Hill walked because he still can, and by walking, he defies his disease. That’s not unlike Harriette Thompson, who at 91 set an age-group record, finishing a marathon in San Diego in 7:07:42.

As reported in Runner’s World magazine, Thompson said she was unable to train as much as she wanted this year because she was recovering from radiation, but she won’t let cancer stop her. Next year, she vowed, she’ll try to do better and be in better shape.

For the record, the oldest person to complete the Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon is Roger Hauge of Minnesota, who in 2010 finished in 5:55:57 at age 79.

Running and walking are not for everyone, but these athletes prove its possible to run or walk at virtually any age, and science shows exercise is absolutely essential for mental and physical health.

So if you see runners out on the course Dec. 6, take a moment to encourage their efforts.

Then, whatever your age or diagnosis, get a jump on new year’s resolutions and get moving.

Your health and happiness depend on it.